Description
This One Skillet Greek Chicken and Orzo recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with flavorful orzo pasta, fresh heirloom tomatoes, salty feta cheese, olives, and a refreshing tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired meal that comes together in just 15 minutes using one skillet.
Ingredients
Chicken and Orzo
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup mixed Greek olives, pitted
- 2 cups dry orzo pasta
Toppings
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Tzatziki, for serving
Tomato Salad
- 2 cups mixed heirloom tomatoes, chopped or halved
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, combine the olive oil, chicken pieces, fresh oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Add balsamic vinegar and chopped garlic, cooking for an additional minute. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables and cook orzo: Add the sliced bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the orzo pasta and 2 1/2 cups of water. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until most of the liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender, around 10 minutes.
- Combine chicken and olives: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the pitted mixed Greek olives. Stir to incorporate and allow the chicken to warm through for about 3 minutes.
- Prepare the tomato salad: In a separate bowl, toss together the mixed heirloom tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, fresh chopped basil, grated garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes to taste. Mix well to combine flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the tomato salad over the chicken and orzo mixture gently tossing to combine. Plate individual servings and top each with crumbled feta cheese and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Using fresh oregano and basil enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Adjust red pepper flakes in the tomato salad to control spiciness.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken thighs for a juicier meat option.
- Tzatziki can be store-bought or homemade depending on your preference.
- Use mixed orzo and gluten-free orzo if you require a gluten-free version.